Public Hearing: Work/Volunteer requirement for able-bodied, childless adults receiving free healthcare from taxpayers

Public Hearing on LD 981 scheduled for Monday, March 25 @ 1:00 p.m.

STATEHOUSE – Rep. Beth O’Connor (R-Berwick) is encouraging the public to testify on her bill requiring Governor Mills to implement a federal waiver granted to Maine allowing the state to require able-bodied, childless adults to work, volunteer or attend school in order to receive free healthcare from taxpayers.

 

 

LD 981 – “An Act To Implement the State’s Recently Approved Request for a Section 1115 Demonstration for MaineCare” would allow several exemptions to address difficult circumstances or avoid hardships.

“Maine taxpayers are now paying extra to provide free health insurance for over 70,000 able-bodied, childless adults,” said Rep. O’Connor. “It is only fair that recipients of this generous act modestly contribute, especially since many taxpayers either don’t have insurance or are struggling to pay for their own and/or their family’s health insurance.”

LD 981 proposes to implement the State’s request for approval of a so-called Section 1115 demonstration for MaineCare that was recently granted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Under the bill, an individual who receives MaineCare benefits will be required to:

1. Work 20 hours a week;

2. Pay monthly premiums of up to $40; and

3. Contribute $10 if the individual goes to an emergency department for a nonemergency issue

Maine citizens concerned about this issue are encouraged to testify at a Public Hearing before the Legislature’s Committee on Health and Human Services:

Monday, March 25, 2019 @ 1:00 PM – Cross Building, Room 209